Five replacements Newcastle should consider if they lose Benitez

Newcastle United's win over Arsenal at the weekend has certainly got people talking, with plenty of suggestion out there that Rafael Benitez has shown himself to be an ideal replacement for Arsene Wenger.

Having beaten the Gunners 2-1 in their Premier League clash, Benitez showed just what a fine job he has continued to do at St James' Park and how he could be managing at a higher level again before long.

It is hard to tell what kind of next move awaits Brendan Rodgers after his fine work at Celtic, but Newcastle could be just the right level for him.

Bigger clubs may be unsure of Rodgers' suitability given the level of competition in Scotland, but he has shown he is a cut above by winning the title with a record number of points last season.

On the solid foundations Benitez has built, Rodgers could introduce more of a swagger to the Newcastle side and give them the all-round qualities needed to mount a genuine challenge for a Europa League place.

Peter Davis

Football writer and blogger filling the internet with his ramblings for a variety of platforms for close to a decade. Focusing on Premier League with a weakness for obscure facts, pointless stats and tactical chat.